The Future Of YouTube Is Streaming Video

The last 5 to 6 years have been amazing for video. Sites such as YouTube and Vimeo have set the standard for uploading and sharing video. Apple has embraced video and pushed downloadable content through the iTunes store. Netflix has moved in to the streaming video arena which has big content providers worried. The latest foray in to streaming video is likely to be YouTube as it treads carefully into new territory.

YouTube is taking on streaming live video through a new channel called YouTube Live which aims to bring more original content to the site and give users another reason to stay on longer. YouTube detailed the new feature in a Blog post:

Today we’re announcing the initial roll out of YouTube Live, which will integrate live streaming capabilities and discovery tools directly into the YouTube platform for the first time. This begins with a new YouTube Live browse page (www.youtube.com/live), where you can always find the most compelling live events happening on YouTube and add events to your calendar. Subscribe to your favorite YouTube live-streaming partners to be notified of upcoming live streams on your customized homepage.

YouTube’s venture in to streaming video isn’t likely to usurp big content providers anytime soon but is starting to make online media more and more attractive. Existing video streaming sites such as Ustream, Livestream, Justin.tv and Stickam should be worried as YouTube, with the help of Google can recruit big names such as Arcade Fire and U2. If you’re worried about any user being able to stream live putting the video sharing site with the likes of Chat Roulette and its clones, don’t fret. Only trusted partners will be graced with the privilege of live streaming and the new feature is in Beta mode being rolled out slowly but gradually.